Know the basics

What is mecobalamin used for?

Mecobalamin is a cobalamin, prescribed for peripheral neuropathy, megaloblastic anaemia, and as a preliminary treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

How should I take mecobalamin?

It comes as a tablet to take by mouth, with or without food. It also comes as a solution for injection to be administered by a healthcare provider into the vein or muscle.

Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens or if you develop new symptoms. If you think you may have a serious medical problem, get medical help right away.

How do I store mecobalamin?

Mecobalamin is best stored at room temperature away from direct light and moisture. To prevent drug damage, you should not store Mecobalamin in the bathroom or the freezer. There may be different brands of Mecobalamin that may have different storage needs. It is important to always check the product package for instructions on storage, or ask your pharmacist. For safety, you should keep all medicines away from children and pets.

You should not flush Mecobalamin down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. It is important to properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Know the precautions & warnings

What should I know before using mecobalamin?

Before taking Mecobalamin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to Mecobalamin.

Is it safe to take mecobalamin during pregnancy or breast-feeding?

There are no adequate studies in women for determining risk when using Mecobalamin during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Please always consult with your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before taking Mecobalamin. Mecobalamin is pregnancy risk category C according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Know the side effects

What are the side effects of mecobalamin?

Not everyone experiences these side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have any concerns about a side-effect, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Know the interactions

What drugs may interact with mecobalamin?

Mecobalamin may interact with other drugs that you are currently taking, which can change how your drug works or increase your risk for serious side effects. To avoid any potential drug interactions, you should keep a list of all the drugs you are using (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. For your safety, do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any drugs without your doctor’s approval, especially:

Does food or alcohol interact with mecobalamin?

Mecobalamin may interact with food or alcohol by altering the way the drug works or increase the risk for serious side effects. Please discuss with your doctor or pharmacist any potential food or alcohol interactions before using this drug.

What health conditions may interact with mecobalamin?

Mecobalamin may interact with your health condition. This interaction may worsen your health condition or alter the way the drug works. It is important to always let your doctor and pharmacist know all the health conditions you currently have.

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially: history of liver disease.

Understand the dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for any medical advice. You should ALWAYS consult with your doctor or pharmacist before using Mecobalamin.

What is the dose of Mecobalamin for an adult?

Peripheral neuropathies:

Oral: 1500 mcg/day in 3 divided doses.

Parenteral: 500 mcg daily Intramuscular/Intravenous 3 times/week.

Megaloblastic anaemia caused by vitamin B12 deficiency

Parenteral: 500 mcg daily Intramuscular/Intraven 3 times/week.

Maintenance dose: After about 2 months of therapy, reduce dose to single admin of 500 mcg every 1-3 months.

What is the dose of Mecobalamin for a child?

The dosage has not been established in pediatric patients. It may be unsafe for your child. It is always important to fully understand the safety of the drug before using. Please consult with your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How is Mecobalamin available?

Mecobalamin is available in the following dosage forms and strengths:

Tablet, Oral: 1 mg, 5 mg.

What should I do in case of an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or an overdose, call your local emergency services or go to your nearest emergency room.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose of Mecobalamin, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your regular dose as scheduled. Do not take a double dose.